Letters

Infographic
I have a minor quibble about a chart in a recent issue (see “Direct-Install Programs: Gateway to Market Transformation,” HE Jan/Feb ’14, p. 12). The percentages in the pie charts are a bit misleading. In most situations, a percentage is presented in a pre/post context. Retrofit xyz saved 19%. Looking at the top chart, it gives the appearance that homes with gas water heaters reduced gas consumption by 19%, reduced electricity consumption by 36%, and reduced water usage by 45%. Even if programs are fantastic, they are not able to achieve savings of that magnitude doing base-load measures; maybe a bar chart in the future?